Folland Gnat F1
Serial Number:
XK724
Period:
Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 1987/0025/A
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, War Planes
The single-seat Gnat F1 fighter was the forerunner of
the two-seat Gnat T1 trainer which achieved fame with the 'Red Arrows'
aerobatic team. Designed by Folland's chief engineer, Mr W Petter, the
Gnat represented an attempt to move away from the increasing size and
cost of modern fighter aircraft.
The prototype Gnat was built as a private venture by Folland and first
flew in July 1955. In test flights the Gnat proved itself to be a highly
manoeuvrable aircraft, with a good turn of speed. However, although the
aircraft was favourably received by the pilots at the Aircraft and Armament
Experimental Establishment, pressure to cut defence spending meant the
Gnat F1 was not ordered for the RAF.
Several other Air Forces were attracted to the idea of a low-cost fighter.
Finland purchased thirteen Gnat F1s, some of these being converted for
reconnaissance work, whilst India bought forty. The Indian company Hindustan
Aircraft Limited (HAL) also produced a further 175 Gnats under license.
Indian Gnats saw active service during the Indo-Pakistan conflicts of
1965 and 1971 and proved more than a match for their opponents in combat.
HAL later went on to build a much improved version of the aircraft, named
the Ajeet (Unconquerable).
